Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics that Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture

He Mele No LiloMark Keali’i Ho’omalu

Lilo & Stitch- He Mele No Lilo

This is a song that became famous for being used as an insert song in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch in 2002.

Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu began his musical career at the age of 15.

The song opens with a chorus by The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus together with Mark.

It’s a very powerful song.

Hawai’i AlohaNa Leo

Hawai`I Aloha

Since their debut in 1984, Na Leo have continued to thrive as leading artists in Hawaiian music.

When they first debuted, all the members were high school girls, and they enjoyed idol-like popularity.

Now that they are all mothers, they serve in a symbolic role within Hawaiian music.

Their song “Hawai‘i Aloha” is one of their hits and is widely used as background music for hula dancing.

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Ehoikapiri

E Ho‘i i ka Pili — Kealiʻi Reichel (Keali’i Reichel)

E Hoi Ka Pili means “come close to my side” in Hawaiian.

It’s a signature song by Kealiʻi Reichel, who has been active since the 1990s.

A relaxed rhythm led by acoustic guitar intertwines with vocals that feel like drawing a loved one into an embrace.

TutukiTe Vaka

Te Vaka – Tutuki

Te Vaka is a group that brings together dancers and musicians against a backdrop of diverse Polynesian music.

As you can hear from the very beginning of the track, it strikingly features the pate, a traditional drum.

While the music is very lively, it’s also a piece that conveys a sense of cultural pride.

E Wai’anaeThe Pandanus Club

The Pandanus Club – E Wai’anae (Hawaiian Music)

Famous for being frequently used in hula, “E Wai‘anae” depicts climbing the Wai‘anae mountains to pick maile flowers to make lei, the traditional Hawaiian garlands worn around the neck.

As the lyrics suggest, the song is characterized by a refreshing, memorable melody.

Within Hawaiian music, it falls on the faster side of the tempo range, making it a rare piece where you can see a slightly more vigorous style of hula.

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Beyond the RainbowIsrael Kamakawiwoʻole

OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

The late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.

With a delicate voice that seemed mismatched to his large frame, he sings the famous number from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

The only accompaniment is a ukulele.

Dance in a way that’s loved by those around you—just like Israel, who was cherished by many Hawaiians!

Manu O’OGary Haleamau

Gary Haleamau ” Manu O’O ” Lei Poina Ole

From the melancholic intro, you wouldn’t imagine it’s a Hawaiian song, but once the singing begins, it shifts into traditional Hawaiian music.

The melancholy woven by the guitar matches perfectly, and his crystalline voice invites tears, making the listener feel as if they’re traveling on the wind.